Ohio State basketball: Deshaun Thomas plans to enter NBA draft

All-Big Ten forward Deshaun Thomas will forgo his final season of eligibility with the Ohio State men’s basketball team and enter the NBA draft, the athletic department announced in a statement today.

Thomas led the Big Ten in scoring this season with an average of 19.8 points per game) and was named an Associated Press third-team All-American. He finished ninth in career points at Ohio State with 1,630.

“My three years at Ohio State have been the best years of my life,” Thomas said in a statement. “I have grown tremendously as an individual and as a basketball player. I intend to return to finish my degree, but I believe that now is the best opportunity to pursue my dream and begin my career as a professional basketball player.”

Ohio State won 94 games in Thomas’ three seasons and reached the Sweet 16, Final Four and Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.

“To see Deshaun grow into the man he has become has been amazing,” coach Thad Matta said in a statement. His accomplishments on the floor speak for themselves, but I am just as proud of him and what he has done off the floor. We recruited him offering the opportunity to grow as a person and player, and that is exactly what happened. I know there is much more in-store for him in the future and I am proud to have been able to coach him.”

The statement said plans to finish the spring semester while also preparing for the draft. He is projected as a second-round pick.